The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

"This ramshackle mess of an abode has real character and happily contains its frolicking family. (Picture book. 4-6)"

It might not be the perfect house—"windows drafty, shutters peeling. / There's a crack across the ceiling. / Paint's a little chipped and faded. / Might say it's dilapidated"—but the family of nine living here couldn't be happier—until a doorknob falls off.
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"The insect audience may decamp, but the human one is sure to stay glued to Chesworth's comical cartoon pictures and Miller's riotous take on nature in action. (concluding Q&A) (Informational picture book. 7-9)"

A dragonfly nymph emerges from the water and into the spotlight in this hilarious pondside version of the classic TV show.
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"Jacob's role in the plot is confined largely to enduring indignities and following orders, for Mr. Dinglebat, Jacob's father, and a trio of craven cops nail the bad guys. (b&w illustrations, not seen, glossary) (Fiction. 7-10)"

Third in a series (Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur, o.p., and Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang, 1994) about an eight-year-old nicknamed ``Two-Two'' because, as the youngest of five children, he must say everything twice before anyone pays any attention to him.
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"They have fun too, and what a rich and satisfying kind it can be. (Picture book. 5-10)"

Archibald is ``obsessed with all things scientific'' (he's been caught studying algebra at recess and has ``taken apart/every kitchen appliance:/they had given their lives/in the interest of science'').
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An earnest little lecture of a book (one of the Redfeather series) whose two morals are: ``If at first you don't succeed...'' and ``If you want to learn how to do something, watch an expert.'' It's an amiable enough story about third-grader Alvin, who can't draw but must produce something to be displayed on Parents' Night at school—but it's also preachier than any young reader is likely to sit still for.
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"But most interesting here are the beautifully crafted, exquisitely composed watercolors, skillfully evoking mist, light, and the very feel and smell of a rainy day; while the book is quiet, Chesworth achieves a real narrative flow, both visually and conceptually. (Picture book. 3-7)"

From a promising new illustrator, a wordless book depicting the flight of a man wafted aloft by his umbrella.
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Angie Wu's Guatemalan Trouble Dolls are in great demand among her fourth-grade classmates: Marybeth Rosario hopes to win an important soccer game; Matthew Tallerico wants an A on a spelling test without studying for it; Ginger would like contact lenses; and Brooke wants a new job for her dad.
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